manservants
Posted by Laura W on May 03, 1998 at 17:31:36:
In response to The man-servant?, written by Ann2 on May 02, 1998 at 16:28:14
] But in P&P2 when Lady C says she will take them to London in her barouche, Lizzy mentions that her uncle is to send a manservant for them! Which is reluctantly approved of by lady C, who is most particular ... I remember that man looking at Maria Lucas when she says she has so much to tell. I always thought he was this servant? Are there more people in the coach?? I fear I'll have to go have a look ;-) !
I think that there are other people in the coach, but I'm not positive. I am positive however that I recall seeing something written on the side of the coach, which certainly means it is a stagecoach, not a postchaise.
It is very clear from the text that they are travelling post:
"Mrs. Collins, you must send a servant with them. You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot bear the idea of two young women travelling post by themselves. It is highly improper. . . . You must send John with the young ladies, Mrs. Collins. I am glad it occurred to me to mention it; for it would really be discreditable to you to let them go alone.""My uncle is to send a servant for us."
"Oh! -- Your uncle! -- He keeps a man-servant, does he? -- I am very glad you have somebody who thinks of those things. Where shall you change horses? -- Oh! Bromley, of course. -- If you mention my name at the Bell, you will be attended to."
She says they are travelling post, and that they will change horses (which is what travelling by post means).
But anyway, back to manservants, I don't believe he would travel inside with them-- I think that would have been just as improper as travelling alone. He would either travel on a seat mounted over the boot, or would ride a horse as an outrider.
- I checked, most reluctantly ;-) Ann2 06:20:43 5/10/98
(0)
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
